New Year’s Day in the United States
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New Year’s Day in the United States is a U.S. federal holiday associated with the beginning of the calendar year. Its legal calendar rule is January 1.
New Year's Day
Holiday
United States
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Thursday
Day
Jan
01
January 1, 2026
New Year's Day Date in United States
Date
January 1, 2026
Day
Thursday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
No
Date Confirmed
Yes
New Year's Day Dates in United States
New Year's Day 2026
- Confirmed Official U.S. federal holiday schedule; OPM.
New Year's Day 2027
- Confirmed Official U.S. federal holiday schedule; OPM.
New Year's Day 2028
- Confirmed Official OPM 2028 federal holiday schedule; observed/in-lieu date where applicable. HolidayYear remains 2028, including the 31 December 2027 in-lieu date for New Year's Day 2028.
History of New Year's Day
New Year’s Day has been part of the permanent federal holiday calendar since the nineteenth century and is fixed by 5 U.S.C. §6103 on January 1. OPM applies the statutory in-lieu rules when it falls on a weekend.
Importance of New Year's Day
Federal-holiday status governs federal agencies and covered federal employees. It does not require every private employer, state, school, bank or business to close or provide paid leave.
How New Year's Day Is Celebrated in United States
The date marks the beginning of the civil year after New Year’s Eve. Public events and household traditions vary, and federal status does not prescribe a national ceremony.
Office Impact
Most federal offices close on the OPM-listed day, subject to essential staffing. State, local and private offices follow their own laws, calendars and employer policies.
Bank Impact
Federal Reserve and bank schedules should be checked separately. Branch hours and payment settlement can change even when electronic services remain available.
School Impact
School calendars are determined by state and local systems and individual institutions; a federal holiday is not a universal national school-closure mandate.
Travel Information
For federal planning, distinguish January 1 from any Friday or Monday in-lieu holiday shown by OPM. Transport schedules are set by operators, not §6103.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is New Year’s Day in the United States?
The legal rule is January 1. OPM may list an earlier Friday or later Monday as the observed day for federal employees.
Must private employers close?
No. Federal law does not generally require private employers to provide holiday leave or holiday pay.
Are the legal and observed dates always the same?
No. A weekend fixed-date holiday can have an in-lieu weekday for most federal employees.